Installed ST (by KW) coilovers, car feels a little bouncy when coming to a stop

3X3=5 · 09-21-2010, 06:12 PM

Just installed the ST coilovers (exact same components as KW V1s except they have galvanized rather than stainless steel bodies). Overall the ride is definitely firm and handles great, but it feels a little bouncy, both when hitting bumps at speed and when coming to a stop. I thought the firmer springs and shocks would be less bouncy, not more. When coming to a stop I slow down and when I hit a dead stop the car seesaws front to back a little. It's not horrible, but it's definitely noticeable and doesn't seem right. These shocks are not adjustable - according to KW they're set with the ideal balance of performance and comfort.

I'm almost positive my install (DIY) was done correctly, everything is tightened, etc. Any ideas what would cause this or is it just how these coilovers ride?

skillz911 · 09-22-2010, 08:59 AM

Your rear subframe bushings could be worn, how many miles do you have on the car?

GaryS · 09-22-2010, 09:12 AM

Even brand new rear subframe bushings will bounce over bumps after you install stiffer springs. M3 bushings will solve it, but the install is difficult and road feel will increase.

Fraggy · 09-22-2010, 10:14 AM

What he said ^^^^^^^

stratplaya06 · 09-22-2010, 10:17 AM

It's really funny you mention that, because I thought I was the only one with that problem!

It's something that I haven't thought about for a long time, I guess because I got the m3 rear subframe bushings installed, but it used to drive me crazy. If you're thinking about doing the subframe bushings, which is certainly not a mod for the faint of heart, I say go for it! I have no regrets, the car feels great.

3X3=5 · 09-22-2010, 12:19 PM

The car has 35K miles, I would hope the bushings aren't that worn. I won't be doing M3 bushings - I don't track the car and we're a one car family so ride comfort is more important than precision handling.

One thing that did occur to me is that I reused the stock nut/foam pad/washer on the top of the shock (the one that you tighten from inside the trunk). It just looked more substantial than the new KW supplied one. However I wonder if that foam pad that's attached is allowing a little more play at the top of the shock and causing the bounce. Stratplaya - did you reuse the OEM nut or the KW nut? I may try switching that out to see if it helps.

3X3=5 · 09-22-2010, 08:43 PM

Can anyone comment on the effect of re-using the OEM washer/nut vs. the KW supplied nut on the rear shock tops? Would that cause the bouncing issue?

09-21-2010, 06:12 PM	#1
3X3=5 Lieutenant 117 Rep 557 Posts Drives: in a lot of traffic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Seattle iTrader: (8)	Installed ST (by KW) coilovers, car feels a little bouncy when coming to a stop Just installed the ST coilovers (exact same components as KW V1s except they have galvanized rather than stainless steel bodies). Overall the ride is definitely firm and handles great, but it feels a little bouncy, both when hitting bumps at speed and when coming to a stop. I thought the firmer springs and shocks would be less bouncy, not more. When coming to a stop I slow down and when I hit a dead stop the car seesaws front to back a little. It's not horrible, but it's definitely noticeable and doesn't seem right. These shocks are not adjustable - according to KW they're set with the ideal balance of performance and comfort. I'm almost positive my install (DIY) was done correctly, everything is tightened, etc. Any ideas what would cause this or is it just how these coilovers ride?
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

09-22-2010, 08:59 AM	#2
skillz911 Private First Class 11 Rep 147 Posts Drives: M4 Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Ellicott City, MD iTrader: (4)	Your rear subframe bushings could be worn, how many miles do you have on the car?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-22-2010, 09:12 AM	#3
GaryS Colonel 37 Rep 2,084 Posts Drives: 2009 135i 6MT Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0) Garage List 2009 135i [6.50]	Even brand new rear subframe bushings will bounce over bumps after you install stiffer springs. M3 bushings will solve it, but the install is difficult and road feel will increase.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-22-2010, 10:14 AM	#4
Fraggy Brigadier General 193 Rep 3,469 Posts Drives: 2016 M3 Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: San Diego iTrader: (11)	What he said ^^^^^^^ __________________ 2016 Alpine White M3 (gone) 2019 Alfa Romeo Guilia (Totaled) 2020 Car-less 😁 (no more) 2020 M340
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-22-2010, 10:17 AM	#5
stratplaya06 Captain 46 Rep 967 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 335xi-SOLD 5.0 Miata Join Date: May 2008 Location: Maryland iTrader: (10)	It's really funny you mention that, because I thought I was the only one with that problem! It's something that I haven't thought about for a long time, I guess because I got the m3 rear subframe bushings installed, but it used to drive me crazy. If you're thinking about doing the subframe bushings, which is certainly not a mod for the faint of heart, I say go for it! I have no regrets, the car feels great. __________________ \| PROcede Rev3 \| Vishnu Meth \| DCI \| BMW Perf. Exhaust \| AR Coated/Catless \| CP-E FMIC \| Quaife \|
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-22-2010, 12:19 PM	#6
3X3=5 Lieutenant 117 Rep 557 Posts Drives: in a lot of traffic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Seattle iTrader: (8)	The car has 35K miles, I would hope the bushings aren't that worn. I won't be doing M3 bushings - I don't track the car and we're a one car family so ride comfort is more important than precision handling. One thing that did occur to me is that I reused the stock nut/foam pad/washer on the top of the shock (the one that you tighten from inside the trunk). It just looked more substantial than the new KW supplied one. However I wonder if that foam pad that's attached is allowing a little more play at the top of the shock and causing the bounce. Stratplaya - did you reuse the OEM nut or the KW nut? I may try switching that out to see if it helps.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-22-2010, 08:43 PM	#7
3X3=5 Lieutenant 117 Rep 557 Posts Drives: in a lot of traffic Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Seattle iTrader: (8)	Can anyone comment on the effect of re-using the OEM washer/nut vs. the KW supplied nut on the rear shock tops? Would that cause the bouncing issue?
	Appreciate 0 Quote